Guinness World Records revealed that Hilda Effiong Bassey, widely known as Hilda Baci, has accomplished an extraordinary feat, officially setting a new record for the longest cooking marathon (individual). The news was shared via a tweet from Guinness World Records, declaring Hilda Baci as the new record holder.
After meticulous scrutiny of all the evidence, the Guinness World Records team confirmed that Hilda Baci achieved an incredible time of 93 hours and 11 minutes during her remarkable cooking marathon. The 26-year-old Nigerian chef embarked on her culinary journey on Thursday, May 11, and persevered until Monday, May 15, preparing over 100 pots of delicious food throughout the four-day endeavor.
After reviewing all the footage, we're delighted to announce that Hilda Baci is the new record holder for the longest cooking marathon (individual) ?
Watch the video to find out the official time we've awarded Hilda and read the full explanation below ? pic.twitter.com/bf352ndxWO
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) June 13, 2023Hilda initially aimed for a record-breaking duration of 100 hours. However, due to an inadvertent miscalculation during one of her rest breaks early on, approximately seven hours were deducted from her final total. As per the rules governing “longest marathon” records, participants are allowed a five-minute rest break for every continuous hour of activity. These breaks can be accumulated if not utilized and served as Hilda’s only opportunity to rest, sleep, or attend to personal needs during the demanding feat.
The previous record of 87 hours and 45 minutes was held by Lata Tondon from India, achieved in 2019. Hilda Baci’s accomplishment now surpasses that benchmark, solidifying her place in culinary history.
Hilda’s motivation behind this record-breaking attempt was twofold: to showcase Nigerian cuisine on a global scale and to inspire young African women to pursue their dreams. Additionally, she sought to push her own limits and test her culinary abilities through this extraordinary endeavor.
In preparation for the event, Hilda meticulously crafted a comprehensive 35-item menu that served as a guide for each meal she cooked. She ensured that she had all the necessary ingredients for each recipe, with her team procuring additional food items as needed throughout the cook-a-thon.
Hilda’s record-breaking journey captivated the world of social media, with millions of people in Nigeria and beyond closely following her progress through a live stream on Instagram. The overwhelming support from her dedicated fans caused the Guinness World Records website to experience a two-day crash due to the unprecedented volume of traffic it received.
During her record attempt, Hilda received visits from notable Nigerian figures, including Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and award-winning singer Tiwa Savage. Their presence added to the excitement and encouragement surrounding Hilda’s remarkable feat.
Throughout the cook-a-thon, Hilda adhered to several rules set by Guinness World Records, such as simultaneously cooking a minimum of two items at all times. While a sous-chef was permitted to assist with prep work, kitchen cleaning, and dishwashing, Hilda single-handedly executed all the cooking tasks.
An essential requirement for food-related record attempts is the consumption of all items cooked. To fulfill this, Hilda extended an open invitation to the Nigerian public, inviting them to savor her freshly prepared meals. Any leftover food was generously donated to the Festus Fajemilo Foundation, ensuring that her efforts benefited the less privileged.
Each pot of food that Hilda cooked had the capacity to serve between 30 to 35 people. To prevent any food wastage, meticulous stock control measures were implemented.
Hilda’s culinary journey began after graduating from Madonna University in Nigeria, where she obtained a degree in sociology. Inspired by her mother, Lynda Ndukwe, who is also a chef, Hilda pursued a career in the culinary arts. Her passion and talent propelled her to host the television show “Dine on a Budget” in 2020, and in 2021, she emerged victorious in the Jollof Face-off competition, triumphing over Ghana’s Leslie Kumordzie to proudly represent Nigeria.
